Baltimore, Maryland Jan 25, 2021 (Issuewire.com) - If you are on the heavier side or suffer from some sort of disability, the consequences, both physically and psychologically, can be quite distressing. That is why there is a need for heavy-duty mobility scooters to support people of just about any size and weight.
Not only does it take your freedom and independence away, but it also robs you of your confidence, especially if you’re struggling to walk or you are confined to your home.
A mobility scooter comes highly recommended and is handy in situations like this. It allows you to still have an active lifestyle despite your disability. The problem comes, though, when you have to choose the right one.
Which one should you choose? There are so many heavy-duty mobility scooters available on the market, and choosing one that is reliable and safe to ride on can be a process.
You might have questions in your mind like: Is this model strong enough for me and will it support my weight? Can I safely get to my destination without problems arising along the way?
This article will help you gain clarity on the buying process and will cover important questions and facts you ought to consider before choosing a heavy-duty mobility scooter.
Here is a look at 6 of the best heavy duty mobility scooters:
- E-Wheels EW-72 Bariatric 4-Wheel Scooter
- Merits Health S341 Pioneer 10 Bariatric 4 Wheel Scooter
- Golden Technologies Avenger 500lb Capacity 4-Wheel Scooter
- Pride Maxima Heavy Duty 4-Wheel Scooter
- Shoprider Enduro XL4+ Bariatric 4-Wheel Scooter
- Merits S941L Silverado Extreme Bariatric Scooter
A bariatric or heavy-duty mobility scooter is just what its name implies. It was manufactured to carry a load of weight. Thus, it is ideal for people who weigh more than the average person’s weight.
These scooters have seats that are larger in size and have a higher weight capacity, in the range of 350 to 500 lbs, or sometimes more. Heavier people are thus able to operate them comfortably and safely.
What makes them so powerful is the fact that they have a bigger chassis and a powerful motor. As such they are sturdier.
They also have bigger wheels, higher ground clearance, and sometimes a suspension on the wheels for a smoother ride. These features allow them to travel further and quicker without the continual need to recharge. Because of their bigger wheels and higher ground clearance, they ride more comfortably over uneven terrain.
So, if you are slightly heavy, in the range of around 350 lbs and up, or you find walking a bit of a challenge because of your weight, you might find that these types of mobility scooters are the perfect solution for you.
These scooters are also ideal because they are easy to drive. Unlike manual wheelchairs, they do not require the use of upper body strength.
How Do You Find The Right Heavy Duty Mobility Scooter?
It is important to look for a heavy-duty mobility scooter that is both safe and easy to operate. Here are a number of factors to look at when making your decision:
What Are You Going To Use It For
Mobility scooters are built differently for different reasons. Some are ideal just for flat surfaces while others are perfect for rougher terrains and have bigger wheels to accommodate that and are even able to climb up steep inclines.
Before looking at all other features for your mobility scooter, you first have to figure out what you will use it for. Do you need it just for short trips to the local mall or do you need one for longer trips outdoors?
The Type of Seat
The seat of your scooter should sit comfortably so that it doesn’t cause strain on your back. In order to choose a comfortable scooter, we recommend that you look at the following features:
- Is the seat height adjustable and reclinable? – If the seat can be adjusted in height by being lowered or raised, it will add to the comfort of the rider. If the seat is reclinable, it is much better for your back.
- Is the seat padded? – A padded seat provides more comfort and will relieve pressure points; which is particularly helpful for long stretches of travel.
- Does the seat swivel? – A swiveling seat is great for times when you are transferring to and from the scooter. Especially so if you struggle with lower mobility difficulties, like when you struggle when standing up or sitting down. It reduces the need for any sharp twists or turns.
- Does the seat slide? – A sliding seat allows you to position yourself properly, closer or further from the tiller. It also ensures that you have sufficient legroom.
- Are the armrests padded and adjustable? – Armrests that are padded and that can be adjusted to the right height allow you to position your arms in such a way as to reduce strain. If they can be flipped up or down, which is very helpful, as they allow for easier transfers.
- Is there a headrest? – A scooter with a headrest is beneficial as a headrest provides needed neck support.
The Tiller
It is important to stay in control of your mobility scooter and to be able to steer it in the right direction. The tiller of the scooter should be easy to reach and you should be comfortable when operating it.
A lot of mobility scooters have tillers that can be adjusted in height and angle, in order to have the tiller at the right place comfortable enough for the user. It is best to buy a scooter with an adjustable tiller than one with a fixed tiller.
There are two types of tillers on a mobility scooter. There are t-shaped tillers and there are delta-shaped tillers. The t-shaped tillers are similar in appearance to the handlebars of a bicycle.
Delta shaped tillers are a wrap-around type of tiller. If you have limited movement in your hands and fingers then a delta-shaped tiller is most appropriate.
With this type of tiller, your hands do not stick out and can be brought closer together. Allowing them to rest comfortably and in doing so, reduce strain.
Weight Capacity
These heavy-duty bariatric scooters can carry a weight as high as 500 lbs. When purchasing a heavy-duty mobility scooter, make sure to never exceed the weight capacity of the device.
Not adhering to this rule can affect the stability of the scooter, damaging the motor, and reducing its life span.
When choosing the appropriate weight capacity of your scooter, also factor in things such as the weight of your oxygen rank or even your groceries.
Storage Compartment
If you are one for constant shopping or carrying things from one place to another, then you want to make sure the mobility scooter has enough storage space for your needs.
So, be on the lookout for a mobility scooter that has a basket up front or at the back. Some scooters have a lockable compartment located underneath the seat or at the back.
Best Heavy Duty Mobility Scooters
1. E-Wheels EW-72 Bariatric 4-Wheel Scooter
This mobility scooter certainly has a lot of power under the hood. It has an impressive top speed of 15 mph and has a driving range of 43 miles, which means that you can travel that far before you need to recharge your battery. This is easily a charged battery for a whole day of driving around.
With such a high weight capacity, this unit should be sufficient for most people. The E-wheels 72 have a reclining captain seat and an adjustable headrest, allowing you to ride in comfort.
Its seat is 18 inches wide and is contoured to the body shape allowing for pressure relief with the memory foam construction.
For adequate legroom, you can slide the seat forwards or backward as you wish. The armrests are also able to flip up allowing for easier transfer from and onto the scooter.
The E-72 has large 16-inch front and 14 inch rear pneumatic tires, and full-suspension on the wheels, which provides a smooth and comfortable ride even on surfaces that are bumpy.
The 6-inch ground clearance is significantly off the ground, meaning that this unit is more comfortable on the rougher terrains.
Are you living in an area that is hilly? The E-Wheels 72 can tackle anything up to a gradient of 10 degrees safely.
This device has anti-tip wheels, rear brake lights, a LED headlight, front and rear turn signals, as well as rear-view mirrors.
It is also fitted with an anti-theft alarm system to keep thieving hands away.
2. Merits Health S341 Pioneer 10 Bariatric 4 Wheel Scooter
The Merits Health S341 is a heavy-duty mobility scooter with the ability to go long distances without having to recharge.
This unit has a weight capacity of 500 lbs, allowing anyone who is on the obese side to safely and comfortably take a ride on this scooter.
The seat is extra wide at 22 inches and is cushioned and supportive of the back, preventing back pain from riding too long.
The seat is soft and has a cushioned high back. It can swivel for easy on and off transitioning. The armrests are adjustable inward or outward, and can also be flipped up, for the right comfortable position for you.
The tiller is adjustable and is brought close or further from you for the right length away from your arms.
With the pneumatic tires and the full suspension that can absorb bumps, this unit is one of the high-quality heavy-duty mobility scooters currently on the market.
The S341 is particularly useful in the outdoors as it was designed especially for that purpose, but is also made by one of the best brands in the mobility industry, Merits Health.
This bariatric mobility scooter has an impressive 32-mile battery range, setting it apart from its competitors.
Apart from that, it also has a 500 lbs weight capacity. This is a combination that is rare to find in the mobility scooter market.
With that type of power, the S341 can easily climb a 12-degree angle incline. The control panel is user friendly and has a battery indicator, a speed dial, and a horn.
It also comes equipped with a LED headlight, left and right turn signals, and two taillights.
3. Golden Technologies Avenger 500lb Capacity 4-Wheel Scooter
The Avenger 4 wheel is another heavy duty mobility scooter ideal for the outside rugged world, yet comfortable enough to give a smooth ride.
This mobility scooter also has a 500 lbs weight capacity and is equipped with two NF22 batteries offering an impressive 18-mile battery range.
Apart from the classic design of this unit, it also comes with a front basket to put all your belongings in while riding in style.
The seat is roomy and is comfortably designed with an adjustable headrest to better position your head while traveling. The seat itself can also be adjusted in height for a better seating position.
The Avenger, has a maximum speed of 7 mph, well ahead and faster than many of its competitors.
With a ground clearance of 4 inches, it is well off the ground and is comfortable enough to tackle most outside terrains or obstacles in its way.
Extra features include a full lighting package and a swivel seat for getting on and off without a hassle.
The armrests can be flipped up for easy on and off transfers but are also adjustable in width and height.
For safety, while riding, the Avenger is equipped with a bumper guard.
4. Pride Maxima Heavy Duty 4-Wheel Scooter
The Pride Maxima is another quality heavy duty product from Pride Mobility. Just like all the other mobility scooters we’ve reviewed above, this one doesn’t fail to impress.
This unit has a powerful motor, able to handle terrains of concrete, grass, or gravel with ease while maintaining a weight capacity of 500 lbs.
It has a powerful transaxle and motor on the inside, which offers close to 1.5 horsepower. The wheels are 10 inch solid flat-free tires enough to tackle almost any terrain.
The battery range on this unit is 16 miles, which allows you to be out and about without having to worry about running out of “fuel”.
The Pride Maxima has a maximum speed of 5.3 mph. Not bad for a heavy-duty mobility scooter of this capacity.
The motor is very quiet and has a 110 amp controller on it. The transaxle is very powerful and can take on just about anybody type.
The seat on this unit is deep and comfortable and is 22 inches wide. Should you wish you can opt for an even wider seat.
The seat can swivel all the way around and is adjustable in height for a comfortable position while riding.
The armrests can flip up and out of the way for easy entry and exit but are also outward adjustable for a more comfortable seating arrangement.
The Maxima has a full lighting package, including a LED headlight, tail lights, and a blinking hazard light. Extra features are a bumper on the front and back of the unit to absorb the bumps which could cause damage to the internal components of the unit.
5. Shoprider Enduro XL4+ Bariatric 4-Wheel Scooter
The Enduro XL4 from Shoprider boasts a high ground clearance, making it ideal for roaming around outside and taking on any uneven or bumpy terrain. The maximum speed on this unit is 5 mph.
This bariatric mobility scooter supports an impressive 500 lbs in weight ensuring that you’re covered should you need to go on a shopping spree and feel worried that the scooter will not hold.
The captain’s seat is 20 inches in width and is padded to ensure that you ride in comfort. The armrests on this unit can be adjusted as they flip up and can extend outwards for a more comfortable seating position.
The headrest is also adjustable to better position your head while you ride, and the seat can swivel as well as slide forward and backward.
This mobility scooter can easily tackle most terrains be it grass, concrete, gravel, or dirt roads because it was designed with a full suspension for a smooth ride on any terrain.
Despite its size, this scooter offers a 25-mile battery range on a single charge. Enough to last you for a whole day without worrying about recharging.
The Enduro’s delta tiller is adjustable and makes riding more of comfort as you can pull the tiller towards you or push it away.
The control panel on this unit indicates the turn signals, the lighting system, the wigwag, and the horn.
The wigwag allows you to pull back or push forward on the drive lever depending on the driver's ease of driving.
This unit is also equipped with an emergency hand brake as a safety add on and a front chrome bumper.
6. Merits S941L Silverado Extreme Bariatric Scooter
Last but not the least, we have the Merits Silverado S941 mobility scooter. A beautiful piece of workmanship. This durable mobility scooter is perfectly suited for the rugged outdoors.
With its full suspension, shock absorbers, and its big 14-inch front and 16 inch rear pneumatic tires, it can comfortably maneuver over rough terrain.
It is equipped with a powerful 24V 650W DC motor, allowing for a maximum speed of 9.6 mph.
It is thus far the most impressive on its battery range, as it can ride for 55 miles on a single battery charge.
In order to fully enjoy the outdoors safely, a mobility scooter must have high ground clearance. In this regard, the Silverado Extreme does not disappoint as it has an impressive 5.1-inch ground clearance.
It can also handle hilly areas comfortably as it can climb up inclines with a 10-degree gradient.
The Silverado has a host of safety features including front LED headlights, rear lights, a horn, side mirrors, side signals, and a safety turning control sensor.
The sensor activates automatically as the scooter attempts to turn. It is also equipped with storage baskets. One at the front, with more space in the tiller section.
It has a weight capacity of 450 lbs and is fitted with a 20-inch x 20-inch padded seat appropriate for a bigger body frame.
The captain’s seat has a high adjustable backrest with a headrest and the padded armrests are width and height adjustable.
The seat is able to swivel while the armrests can flip back, and it can also slide forwards or backward.
In Conclusion
It is not so easy to shop for a heavy-duty mobility scooter, especially with all the different features and specifications out there. However, we hope that this article has been helpful when it comes to choosing a bariatric mobility scooter that fits your needs and budget.
See the product page for details or give us a call at 800-682-9444. You can also send us an email to info@electricwheelchairsusa.com.
Perhaps you are looking for a unit that is not so bulky. Check out our picks for the Top 9 Folding Mobility Scooters For 2021. These mobility scooters are more lightweight and better suited for easy transport.
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